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Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Paterson, NJ

Our Recommended Top 17

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Our goal is to connect people with the best local professionals. We scored Paterson Criminal Defense Lawyers on more than 25 variables across five categories, and analyzed the results to give you a hand-picked list of the best.

123Reviewed

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17Top Picks

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Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

242 10th Street Suite 103, Jersey City, NJ 07302

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (63)

Why choose this provider?

William Proetta Criminal Law caters to individuals who have been arrested or under investigation for criminal offenses. The firm has handled thousands of criminal defense cases in Paterson, which involve domestic violence, DWI, drug crimes, theft, and weapon offenses. Its attorneys analyze the defendant's case to identify its strengths and weaknesses and create a strategic defense to represent the case. The Daily Record, the Star-Ledger, and FOX News have featured the firm for its success in dropping or reducing its client's criminal charges.

  • Federal Crime
  • Theft & Burglary
  • Juvenile Crimes

331 Straight Street, Paterson, NJ 07501

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
3.9 (33)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Office of Harley D. Breite provides criminal defense and representation to clients in and around the Paterson metro. The firm has been in legal service for almost 30 years, handling various types of cases, including aggravated sexual assault, white-collar crimes, drug and kingpin cases, police brutality, and homicide and murder. Breite featured prominently in the film Stray Bullet, which documented the accidental killing of Genesis Rincon and the investigation that followed. He is also a strong anti-bullying advocate.

  • Drug Crimes
  • DWI/DUI

2204 Morris Avenue Suite 310, Union, NJ 07083

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.8 (54)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall provides criminal defense to the locals in and around the Paterson metro. Its team of attorneys has handled thousands of clients who faced various types of charges, ranging from first offenses to fourth-degree felonies. The team draws from a combined legal experience of more than 100 years. Marshall works as a managing partner and has been in the field for nearly two decades. He is licensed to practice in Pennsylvania.

  • Drug Crimes
  • Domestic Violence
  • DWI/DUI

595 Eagle Rock Avenue, West Orange, NJ 07052

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.7 (15)
Avvo
5.0 (9)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of Michael A. Robbins fights for the rights of individuals in Paterson and the surrounding communities charged with DUI, drug offenses, white-collar crimes, and homicide. It represents defendants before the municipal, state, and federal courts of New Jersey. Principal Michael Robbins has handled various cases, including the disappearance of five Newark teenagers in 1978 and the execution-style murder of three college students in a Newark schoolyard in 2007. Robbins' work has been featured by online publications like The Star-Ledger and CNN.

  • Drug Crimes
  • DWI/DUI

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Michael Robbins - PrincipalActive36 yrs

66 Hamilton Street, Paterson, NJ 07505

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.7 (67)
Yelp
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Sciro & Marrotta PC is a law firm that provides clients with criminal defense services and is active throughout the Paterson metro area. Its clients include people charged with DUI, drug crimes, theft, domestic violence, drug possession, and other misdemeanor and felony offenses. The firm uses available evidence to build arguments in defense of clients but can also set up plea agreements with prosecutors for leniency. Sciro & Marrotta PC handles minor traffic violations too.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Frank Sciro - PartnerActive52 yrs

354 State St Ste 202, Hackensack, NJ 07601

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.8 (21)

Why choose this provider?

William J. Quirk, Esq., LLC, serves defendants of criminal charges in Paterson. The firm handles drug and sex crimes, theft, domestic violence, assault, and weapons charges. Sole practitioner William J. Quirk has 18 years of experience and is a former municipal public defender. He also represents defendants of juvenile crimes. Quirk is a member of The National Trial Lawyers Top 40 under 40. He was included in the Top Lawyers list of Bergen Magazine. He also practices DWI defense, and immigration and traffic law.

  • Theft & Burglary

20 Court Street, 3rd Floor, Paterson, NJ 07601

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.4 (14)

Why choose this provider?

McNerney McAuliffe provides compassionate and aggressive legal representation for clients in Paterson. Its team protects the rights of individuals accused of committing crimes, including DUI, drug possession, and homicide, by having their charges reduced or dismissed. Partners Daniel P. McNerney and Mark P. McAuliffe are certified trial law specialists by the New Jersey Supreme Court. They have over five decades of combined legal experience representing clients in the state and federal courts of New Jersey.

  • Expungement
  • DWI/DUI

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Daniel Mcnerney - Principal AttorneyActive37 yrs

418 Grand Street, Suite 3, Paterson, NJ 07505

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.0 (8)

Why choose this provider?

Hunt Hamlin & Ridley caters to clients in the Paterson area. It offers representation in different types of criminal matters before superior, federal, and municipal courts. The law office provides legal defense in cases involving attempted murder, homicide, armed robbery, aggravated assault, and conspiracy. It also handles lawsuits involving education, public housing, sports, and entertainment law, as well as civil rights and employment litigation. The African American-owned practice has been delivering legal solutions for over 25 years.

  • Arraignment
  • DWI/DUI

21 Main Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.9 (71)
Yelp
5.0 (3)

Why choose this provider?

Sutnick & Sutnick, Attorneys at Law serves the Paterson metro area and helps clients with a wide range of criminal circumstances. Its lawyers assist clients facing misdemeanor or felony charges and defend them at hearings and in trials by representing them to authorities and making arguments on their behalf. This firm is experienced with drug charges, DUIs, juvenile crime, and violent and sex-based offenses. Sutnick & Sutnick, Attorneys at Law provides record expungement services as well.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Laura Sutnick - Founding PartnerActive32 yrs

One University Plaza Suite 210, Hackensack, NJ 07601

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Facebook
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

DiLorenzo & Rush Counselors of Law offers criminal defense representation for individuals in Paterson and the adjoining metros. The firm is staffed by a team of negotiators and trial lawyers who have over 60 years of legal experience. Typical criminal defense cases that the firm handles include DUI, sex crimes, traffic violations, drug offenses, and violent crimes like murder and assault. In 2010, Christopher M. DiLorenzo received The New York Criminal Bar Association's Distinguished Attorney Award. He also speaks Spanish and is licensed to practice in New York.

  • DWI/DUI

195 Route 46 West, Suite 6, Totowa, NJ 07512

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (2)

Why choose this provider?

Robert B. Cherry, P.C., Esq. Law Office, Attorney at Law, offers criminal defense representation to clients in Paterson and the surrounding areas. The practitioner has been handling penal law cases for over 40 years, including severe offenses such as murder. His office takes on cases related to DUIs and incidents of domestic violence. Cherry has given continuing legal education lectures on trial procedures and was a mediator and arbitrator with the Department of the Public Advocate.

  • Domestic Violence
  • DWI/DUI

60 Washington Street, Suite 200, Morristown, NJ 07960

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (25)
Facebook
5.0 (10)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of Joseph S. Scura helps Paterson residents deal with their misdemeanor and felony charges. It handles cybercrimes, white-collar crimes, DWI and DUI cases, drug and weapons law violations, sexual charges, and violent offenses. It also assists with matters concerning expungements and appeals. Prior to establishing his firm in 2009, principal Joseph Scura served in the New Jersey Office of the Public Defender. He has been recognized as one of the American Society of Legal Advocates' and The National Trial Lawyers' Top 40 Under 40.

  • Expungement
  • Domestic Violence

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Joseph Scura - Founding PartnerActive15 yrs

1115 Clifton Ave. Suite 204, Clifton, NJ 07013

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.9 (126)
Yelp
4.5 (25)
Facebook
4.6 (19)

Why choose this provider?

Law Offices of Peter G. Aziz & Associates LLC is a multi-practice that serves clients in Paterson. It represents those with misdemeanor and felony charges, including DUI, simple or aggravated assault, domestic violence, theft, and drug-related crimes. The firm's objective is to resolve clients' legal issues and teach them to be proactive in an effort to avoid future issues. Owner Peter Aziz founded the firm a decade ago. He is licensed to practice in municipal and state courts. Aziz is also fluent in Arabic. 

  • DWI/DUI

7 North Willow Street Suite 5, Montclair, NJ 07042

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.9 (141)
Facebook
4.8 (12)
FindLaw
5.0 (8)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Office of Andy Weinstein is a criminal defense firm representing clients in Paterson. The practice handles drug-related cases like possession, distribution and sale, and drug trafficking, white-collar crimes like fraud and larceny, and charges involving violent crimes and weapon offenses. Its attorneys also take on DUI/DWI and sex-related cases. Before starting the firm, founder Andrew L. Weinstein had worked as a prosecutor for seven and a half years and helped at-risk youth as a social worker.

  • DWI/DUI
  • Drug Crimes

55 Madison Avenue, Suite 400, Morristown, NJ 07960

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Avvo
4.8 (124)
Google
4.9 (12)

Why choose this provider?

The Tormey Law Firm, LLC, deals with various criminal cases in Paterson, including DWI and DUI charges, drug and weapons law violations, white-collar crimes, assaults and threats, and sex offenses. The firm also represents minors accused of crimes such as possession of fake ID, shoplifting, and underage drinking. Its defense team includes a retired state trooper and police academy instructor, a former Morris County assistant prosecutor, a past New Jersey municipal prosecutor, and lawyers who served in the District of New Jersey's U.S. Attorney's Office.

  • Drug Crimes
  • DWI/DUI

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Travis Tormey - FounderActive17 yrs

8 Wood Hollow Road, Parsippany, NJ 07054

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Avvo
5.0 (10)
Yelp
5.0 (3)

Why choose this provider?

Attorney McArdle of the Law Office of Sara Sencer McArdle is a criminal defense attorney near Paterson serving clients from the local area. The firm's lawyers have a combined 100 years of experience with representing clients charged with crimes such as assault and battery, fraud, racketeering, and domestic violence. They also work with children and teenagers who have been accused of committing criminal offenses. Ms. McArdle is a member of the New Jersey Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Sara McArdle - PrincipalActive45 yrs

8 Campus Dr #105, Parsippany, NJ 07054

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (69)
Avvo
5.0 (13)
Facebook
5.0 (11)

Why choose this provider?

The Bianchi Law Group, LLC Attorneys at Law represents juveniles and adults who are faced with criminal charges in and around Paterson. It deals with various types of cases, including burglary, domestic violence, sex crimes, and manslaughter. Its team of attorneys, consisting of former prosecutors, handles plea negotiations and trials. One of its attorneys, Robert A. Bianchi, is a certified criminal trial attorney by the New Jersey Supreme Court and is the former head country prosecutor of Morris County.

  • Theft & Burglary
  • Juvenile Crimes

Compare our Top Criminal Defense Lawyers

NameExpertise RatingAddressPromotionsLearn more
William Proetta Criminal Law
242 10th Street Suite 103, Jersey City, NJ 07302
The Law Office of Harley D. Breite
331 Straight Street, Paterson, NJ 07501
The Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall
2204 Morris Avenue Suite 310, Union, NJ 07083
Law Offices of Michael A. Robbins
595 Eagle Rock Avenue, West Orange, NJ 07052
Sciro & Marotta, P.C.
66 Hamilton Street, Paterson, NJ 07505
William J. Quirk, Esq. LLC
354 State St Ste 202, Hackensack, NJ 07601
McNerney McAuliffe
20 Court Street, 3rd Floor, Paterson, NJ 07601
Hunt Hamlin & Ridley
418 Grand Street, Suite 3, Paterson, NJ 07505
Sutnick & Sutnick Attorneys at Law
21 Main Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601
DiLorenzo & Rush Counselors of Law
One University Plaza Suite 210, Hackensack, NJ 07601
Robert B. Cherry, P.C., Esq. Law Office Attorney at Law
195 Route 46 West, Suite 6, Totowa, NJ 07512
The Law Offices of Joseph S. Scura
60 Washington Street, Suite 200, Morristown, NJ 07960
Law Offices of Peter G. Aziz & Associates LLC
1115 Clifton Ave. Suite 204, Clifton, NJ 07013
Law Office of Andy Weinstein
7 North Willow Street Suite 5, Montclair, NJ 07042
The Tormey Law Firm, LLC
55 Madison Avenue, Suite 400, Morristown, NJ 07960
Law Office of Sara Sencer McArdle
8 Wood Hollow Road, Parsippany, NJ 07054
The Bianchi Law Group, LLC Attorneys at Law
8 Campus Dr #105, Parsippany, NJ 07054

Disclaimer:  Consumers utilizing Expertise.com are free to communicate and contract with any lawyer they choose. Expertise.com is not involved in the confidential attorney-client relationship. Featured lawyers pay a reasonable advertising cost to market their legal services with Expertise.com and must meet similar selection criteria as other lawyers. All cases are different. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

FAQs

  • What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Paterson, New Jersey?

    You may contact the local law enforcement agency in Paterson at (973) 321-1111 for non-emergencies.

  • What is the fee for a defense attorney in Paterson?

    Criminal lawyers in Paterson charge fees that vary widely and depend on several factors, such as the complexity of the case, the lawyer's proficiency, and the jurisdiction. It is advisable to select a skilled lawyer who can manage criminal defense trials until a verdict is reached since the amount of work involved can impact the cost.

  • Why would you need a Paterson criminal defense lawyer?

    Criminal lawyers are not only well-versed in the law and regulations of evidence but are also highly familiar with the categorization of crimes and the court system where offenses are litigated. They will diligently scrutinize the specifics of your case and provide justification to contest the charges, which could lead to a favorable outcome, including a dismissal of charges.

  • How to select the best defense attorney for your criminal case in Paterson?

    It's essential to take into account the criminal expertise of the attorney when choosing legal representation in Paterson. You should opt for someone with a history in this field of law and who also possesses a proven track record of handling cases akin to the one you're dealing with. By doing so, you'll increase your chances of securing a favorable outcome in your legal battle.

  • When should you hire a Paterson criminal defense lawyer?

    It is recommended to seek legal assistance from a criminal defense lawyer immediately following an arrest in Paterson. Even if you haven't been arrested yet but are aware of being investigated for illegal activity, it's wise to consult an attorney. A criminal defense lawyer can offer valuable guidance in your case before charges are actually filed against you.

  • What is the time limit for retaining the services of a criminal defense attorney after facing criminal charges in Paterson?

    In Paterson, if you haven't faced a trial on criminal charges yet, you can still engage an attorney to act on your behalf. While there's a point beyond which it's too late to hire a criminal defense lawyer, it comes only after the trial. Therefore, there's sufficient time to seek legal representation before the trial commences. It's advisable to engage a competent criminal defense attorney to bolster your chances of a favorable outcome.